'We Know It's An Issue:' Proposed Bill Could Restrict Wind Turbines From Being Constructed Near Homes

Many people in McIntosh County are happy to hear about a new bill that has been proposed for the next legislative session.

The proposed law would limit how close wind turbines could be to the homes.

TransAlta, a Canadian company, is planning to build dozens of wind turbines around Lake Eufaula.

There was a meeting Thursday night at the Eufaula VFW where people discussed their concerns with the turbines. Many of the people said they appreciate the efforts by lawmakers but worry it’s too late.

Hundreds of people in McIntosh County have been meeting regularly for weeks to talk about a proposed wind turbine farm. People who live there say these turbines are expected to be right next to their homes and they’re not happy about it.

“There’s four scheduled to go in around our home and probably 15 more on the ridge across the way from us," said Donna Poteete. "I suffer from sleeping disorders, and that’s part of the reason why I moved out to the middle of nowhere, so that I could sleep, and I’m worried about the constant humming.”

Sen. Grant Green plans to introduce a bill that would put restrictions on how close wind turbines can be to people’s homes.

Turbines already have to be 1.5 miles away from runways, schools, and hospitals, but this would add a restriction they also have to be 1/4 of a mile away from homes.

“We know it’s an issue, and we’re trying to put a state standard on it to protect all property rights," said Green. "I’m a relatively new senator; I was surprised there wasn’t a state standard on this.”

Poteete says no one should do things on their land that affect another landowner's property.

“Your rights stop when they affect what happens on my property," said Poteete. "If my animals, and my land is at risk, and my water is at risk, I’m sorry. Your rights to those giant turbines ends at my property line.”

Tim Stacy hopes if this becomes law, it won’t happen too late to save McIntosh County.

“I just hope we can, if not completely stop it, which I think we will, but at least get some setbacks, good setbacks,” said Stacy. “The recommended setback is 12 miles.”

The bill will be introduced when the session starts in February. If it passes as written, it would become law on June 1, 2025.